Canada lynx gain protections in New Mexico, but no habitat designated in Southern Rockies

September 12, 2014 8:48 AM

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FILE - In this April 19, 2005 file photo, a Canada lynx heads into the Rio Grande National Forest after being released near Creede, Colo. Canada lynx gained federal protections in New Mexico on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, but U.S. wildlife officials again declined to designate critical habitat for the elusive wild cats in the Southern Rockies, parts of New England and other areas not considered essential to their survival. The two-part finding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service means the forest-dwlling lynx will be protected as threatened throughout the lower 48 states. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) (The Associated Press)

BILLINGS, Mont. – U.S. wildlife officials are expanding protections for Canada lynx to include animals in New Mexico, while again denying critical habitat designations for the elusive wild cats in the Southern Rockies.